Ithaca High School

The weekly weather forecast indicates high temperatures for the week of June 17, 2024. Conditions will be hot and humid, with temperatures in the mid- to high-90s. With limited cooling systems throughout our buildings, we want to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff and students. We will be shifting to the following schedule for the week of June 17-21 for grades Pre-K through 8:

TRANSPORTATION
Buses will arrive for dismissal, but some routes may be delayed by up to 30 minutes. We will keep caregivers of students on those routes notified through text and/or telephone.

ITHACA HIGH SCHOOL REGENTS WEEK
There are no provisions for weather-related cancellations of June Regents Exams. If the exams are not administered on the scheduled date and time, they are not valid, and students will need to sit for a future administration. All students scheduled to take a Regents exam next week should still report for their test. Ithaca High School utilizes lake source cooling in most areas. While it may be warmer than usual, the building should be comfortable in the areas that are lake source cooled.

MEALS
Breakfast and lunch will be provided, with some adjustments to serving times, to ensure students are adequately nourished.

FIELD TRIPS AND AFTERCARE 
All field trips for the week in grades Pre-K through 5th grade will need to be canceled or rescheduled. Our sincerest apologies for this inconvenience. 

Outside groups that utilize our spaces for aftercare are permitted to continue as they fit. 

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS
Please look for additional communication from your principal regarding special events and after school activities such as moving up ceremonies, dances, Senior Sunset, etc. Some of these events will still take place because of the expected temperature at that time in the evening or they will be in air conditioned spaces.

2024 BUDGET RE-VOTE 
On Tuesday, June 18, 2024 the Ithaca City School District will hold a budget re-vote. Polls will be open from 12 noon until 9 p.m. Please allow for more time at pick up as polls will be opening as school is dismissing. Visit our website to view the list of school district polling locations, and for more information about the budget re-vote, visit ithacacityschools.org/vote. 

Throughout the week, facilities staff will increase outdoor air intake overnight and will be at schools early in the morning to open windows and let the cooler air in. Staff are advised to close their windows and draw blinds by 10 a.m. Classrooms will be warmer than usual, but our dedicated facilities team is taking the necessary steps to minimize the possible disruptions to learning while school is in session. School nurses are available for assessment and triage. 

High temperatures and extreme heat can cause some people to experience serious health effects. Heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat rash, occur when the body is unable to cool itself and may come on very quickly. It is important to know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and what to do if you or someone you’re with shows any warning signs.

We are also providing some quick tips for staying cool during high temperatures: 

• Take a cool shower or bath before school 

• Drink plenty of fluids - avoid caffeine and sugary drinks 

• Take regular breaks from physical activity 

• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• Stay out of the sun as much as possible 

For questions or concerns, please contact Kari Burke, Director of Health Services and Wellness, at kari.burke@icsd.k12.ny.us, or your school nurse. 

Thank you for your understanding! Please reach out directly to your building leaders if you have additional questions or concerns.